Katherine Grove: 2025 candidate for Libertyville Elementary District 70 board

Bio

Office sought: Libertyville Elementary District 70 (Vote for 4)

City: Libertyville

Age: 40

Occupation: Accountant/stay-at-home mom

Previous offices held: None

Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running for the school board because of my children. I have four children, they are currently in sixth, fourth, first grade, and preschool. One or more of my children will attend District 70 for the next 10 years. I have a vested interest in seeing the district excel as a parent and as a committed member of the community.

Delivering excellence in education is the main issue for me. I want Libertyville to continue to be a community where our tax dollars are well spent on an education that will set our children up to be successful in their futures.

What is the role of the school board in setting and monitoring the curriculum?

It is the role of the school board to approve the curriculum, textbooks and educational services used by the district. As members of the board, we must make sure that we best represent the needs and desires of all students when setting the curriculum and always keep our goal of excellence in education in the forefront of any decisions we make.

Are there curriculum issues within the district that you feel need particular attention from the board?

As the parent of four very different children I can tell you that there is no one size fits all approach to learning. It is vital we give all children an equal opportunity to be successful in their education.

One way we can do this is through curriculum selection. I believe District 70 is currently doing a good job with this. For example this year the district implemented the Wilson curriculum for dyslexic and struggling readers.

Adopting and having the special education teachers certified to teach this curriculum is a huge step in the direction of providing a path to success for struggling readers. It is essential that the board continues to monitor the curriculum to make certain that all students are best represented as the needs of the district fluctuate and grow.

How do you view your role in confronting policy or curriculum controversies: provide leadership even if unpopular, give a voice to constituents — even ones with whom you disagree, or defer to state authorities?

I believe it is the duty of the school board to provide strong leadership for the district at all times. The board must gather information and analyze facts and data to come to informed conclusions. It is the responsibility of the board to best represent the interests of all members of the community.

Describe your experience working in a group setting to determine policy. What is your style in such a setting to reach an agreement and manage school district policy? Explain how you think that will be effective in producing effective actions and decisions for your school board.

I graduated from Augustana College in 2007 with a double major in accounting and business. I worked in public accounting as a CPA for nine years. My background in accounting will be invaluable when it comes to budgeting and fiscal responsibility. Accounting is about making informed decisions based on detailed analysis of financial data. This is a skill that can be applied to the school board, our district and the community.

What is your assessment of the school district's diversity and equity efforts? Do you support the continuation or enhancement of such programs, of would you rather see them diminished. Please explain your reasoning.

I believe that every student that attends District 70 should have an equal opportunity to succeed when it comes to their education. One of the best ways to ensure their success is to hire the best, most qualified teachers to work in our district. It is important to remember that we are here for the children and achieving excellence in education is the main objective.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

Libertyville has been a part of my life since the late ’90s when I moved here with my family as a freshman in high school. I was part of the first class to attend the Vernon Hills campus of Libertyville High School and graduated from LHS, Class of 2003. I currently live in the Copeland district with my husband and our four children. One or more of my children will attend District 70 every year for the next 10 years. Libertyville is in my blood. I have a vested interest in seeing the district excel as both a parent and as a committed member of the community.

I will use my background in accounting and my insight as a parent to ensure that District 70 continues on this path of excellence in education.

What’s one good idea you have to better your district that no one is talking about yet?

Creating an open line of communication between parents, teachers, administrators and the community is a simple way to better the district. Communication is key to identifying areas that need improvement and to best serving the needs of the community. An environment that fosters open and honest communication between all parties is one we should strive to achieve.